U.S. House of Representatives Introduces Resolutions of Disapproval to Protect Religious Freedom in Nation’s Capital

WASHINGTON – Today the Archdiocese of Washington, along with a large and growing coalition of religious institutions, faith-based organizations, and pro-life advocacy organizations within the District of Columbia, welcomes the introduction of two resolutions of disapproval in the U.S. House of Representatives for the Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act (RHNDA) and theHuman Rights Amendment Act (HRAA). Both RHNDA and HRAA are unprecedented attacks on religious freedom, freedom of speech and freedom of association in the nation’s capital.

HRAA, by removing conscience protections in the law, would prevent religious educational institutions from operating according to the tenets of their own faith with regard to human sexuality, and RHNDA would force religious institutions and other organizations to hire or retain employees who publicly act in defiance of the mission of their employer. Both laws subjugate the Church’s moral teaching to the moral views of the government, violating the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and result in discrimination against religious believers.

The Archdiocese of Washington has long respected home rule for the District of Columbia and, therefore, advocated for our religious rights with the D.C. Council throughout the legislative process. Despite this, the Council passed these acts. The archdiocese’s appeal to Congress to restore these constitutional rights is the only legislative recourse that remains. The Council of the District of Columbia transmitted the new measures to Congress on March 6, initiating a thirty-legislative-day congressional review period. Last month, the U.S. Senate introduced resolutions of disapproval.

The archdiocese is grateful for the resolutions introduced now in both the House and Senate and is hopeful for numerous sponsors and swift action in both chambers of Congress within the remaining days of the congressional review period.

###

The Archdiocese of Washington is home to over 620,000 Catholics, 139 parishes and 95 Catholic schools, located in Washington, D.C., and five Maryland counties: Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s.